‘So sad, what happened?’ scream shoppers as major charity with 400 shops set to close ‘wonderful’ branch permanently
A MAJOR charity chain has announced a store closure leaving shoppers and locals devastated.
A Salvation Army furniture store will close for good after an internal review by the charity chain.
Bourne Salvation Army’s charity furniture store, on South Street, will close today.
Local media reports the store was temporarily closed for renovation work and was due to reopen again in spring.
The building which is in the old town library will be handed back to South Kesteven District Council.
The decision was made after a long-term review by The Salvation Army chain, in a bid to cut costs.
Major Mark Rose, East Midlands divisional leader for The Salvation Army said:
“We’re saddened to be closing our furniture charity shop in Bourne and would like to thank our dedicated staff and volunteers for all their hard work as well as pass on our gratitude to everyone in Bourne who has supported the shop.
“We’ve had a closing down sale and the final day will be today April 4, 2024.
“We reviewed the future of the shop in January and needed to make this difficult decision due to limited resources against rising operating costs.”
“We will now focus on our Sally Anne’s shop, which sells clothing and small household goods and is an important hub for the local community, providing funding for our community work. Sally Anne’s on West Street and our church on Manning Road are open as usual.”
The shop confirmed it has started a closing down sale which ends today at 1pm and will not be taking any more donations.
Locals have been left shocked and devastated by the news, taking to Facebook to share their grief.
One user said: “So sad so many people need help what happened?”
“This is such as shame. What a useful resource it is,” said another.
A third user said: “When I moved into my first home ever as a young mum I got lots of my furniture from here.”
“So sad they’re closing,” said someone else.
The news comes just a few months after another Salvation Army store has closed in the UK.
The Salvation Army’s shop on Cornerswell Road, Penarth closed after 30 years in October.
Mrs Darcey who has been volunteering at the store for 10 years said: “It is people struggling who are going to suffer.”
The Salvation Army isn’t the only charity shop to close stores, Oxfam confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
What is happening to the high street?
Several high-street retailers have been struggling to get by over the past few years.
The pandemic was a tough blow as many stores had to close during lockdown.
Since then energy costs have risen and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online rather than head into stores.
This has left some remaining retailers grappling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
For the most part, supermarkets have braved the storm as they provide essential items like food and drink.
But other retailers have been less fortunate The Body Shop is currently going through administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores.
Boots announced it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
M&S has also confirmed store closure and openings with plans to ensure it has the best store locations.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
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